I've heard Chelsea boots are back in. I looked for a pair in a few shops near my office then gave up.
Mr Dandy: We've heard that, too. Elastic-sided ankle boots aren't hard to find. You obviously didn't try hard enough, although you do seem to be a bit of a try-hard. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.) Louis Vuitton's take on the former mod staple has an extra strap around the ankle (HK$7,450; The Landmark, Central, tel: 8100 1182). Then again, the clean lines at John Lobb (HK$7,140 on sale; The Mandarin Oriental, Central, tel: 2537 2012) and Hermes (HK$8,200; The Galleria, Central, tel: 2525 5900) appeal to us as well. They are well-priced at Tod's with the usual good workmanship (HK$3,500 to HK$4,400; The Landmark, tel: 2810 8692). For something different, Dolce & Gabbana has them in slick black patent (HK$5,000; Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2877 5558).
Mr Dapper: Sure, Chelsea boots might work in other climates but need I remind you, gentlemen, that we're in Hong Kong? Even though some designers presented fur on their spring/summer runway, you couldn't pay me to suffer the heat and humiliation of wearing it myself in this weather. If you insist on wearing inappropriate attire, go for quality and simplicity as exemplified by JM Weston's black box-calf leather boots (HK$7,650; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7288; or Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2525 6368). While it's acceptable to wear Chelsea boots with a suit, it's definitely seen as more casual. (What isn't, these days?) More importantly, heavy footwear looks better with a heavy fabric such as wool, flannel and even corduroy. See above statements about meteorology and style. And leather soles only, please. Rubber soles are more akin to the Australian work boot, made famous by brands such as Blundstone and RM Williams, and are not at all appropriate with a suit.
Where I come from, they steam-clean suits without using chemicals. My local laundry here only dry-cleans, which makes the clothes shiny. When I asked, I just got a 'huh?' look. Any tips?
Mr Dapper: Where we come from, that means you need to find a new dry-cleaner. The first alarm bell was that you associated dry-cleaning with shiny results. That's when it's done incorrectly. The second alarm bell was they didn't know what you were talking about. That might have something to do with you: it's pressing, not cleaning. We're fans of Goodwins of London (Great Food Hall, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1400), which regularly consults experts in Britain on new techniques. See the price list online (www. goodwinsoflondon.com) then deduct 30 per cent of the dry-cleaning cost to calculate how much you'll pay for steaming. A suit, for example, will cost about HK$97 and take three days.
Mr Dandy: For once, we have nothing more to say. OK, we'd like to add that it's important to think long term and develop an understanding with your dry-cleaner, like your hairdresser or tailor. Test a few places with something small, such as a shirt or an old suit. Aside from the usual factors - cleanliness, quality of service, pressing, price, punctuality - we also judge them on how they handle complaints. Alternatively, ask the best turned-out man in your office where he (or his wife) takes his suits. Once you've found 'the one', build a good relationship. Others you might try: Jeeves of Belgravia (The Galleria, tel: 2973 0071; go to www. jeeves.com.hk for more locations) and Kleaners (IFC Mall, tel: 2295 0088).